A new elementary school built in a deep southwest Calgary community has been named after entrepreneur Ron Southern, who passed away in January.
READ MORE: ATCO founder Ron Southern dead at 85
Ron Southern School is set to open in September 2017 in the community of Silverado, which neighbours Spruce Meadows.
Southern and his wife, Margaret, built Spruce Meadows into a world-class equestrian sports facility, famous for its show jumping venue.
“The founder’s simple recipe of ‘good friendship, good commerce and good sport’ has provided valuable guidance and a wonderful platform for Spruce Meadows through the decades,” the sports centre said in a tribute on its website at the time of Southern’s death. “So too has his genuine lifelong commitment to excellence, which he brought to everything in his life.”
Watch below: Global’s coverage of Ron Southern’s passing
Southern and his father started the Alberta Trailer Company in 1947, which later became the international company ATCO. Southern is also remembered as a “lifelong champion for sport” by Sport Calgary. In 2006, he was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, the same year he was made a companion to the Order of Canada.
“Ron Southern School is a very fitting name for the new school in Silverado,” wards 12 and 14 trustee Amber Stewart said. “Mr. Southern was a leader in our community and his legacy will provide many learning opportunities for students,.”
The school naming committee was made up of Calgary Board of Education trustees, parents/community representatives and CBE administration.
Visit cbe.ab.ca/newschools for more information on current school construction projects.
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